The Dutch cargo ship Flinterstar sank off the Belgian coast near Zeebrugge early this morning after colliding with LNG tanker Al Oraeq. All crew were rescued.
The ships collided around 4 am, the cause is still unknown. The twelve crew members of the 129.4 m long Flinterstar were rescued from the water by the Dutch and Belgian Coastguard and fishing boats in the area.
No Danger to Shipping
According to the Belgian Coastguard, the sunk ship does not pose any danger to shipping in the area as it is resting on a sandbank outside the shipping lanes. According to Flinter, only the Flinterstar's cranes remain above water. The ship was not carrying dangerous cargo.
Oil Spill
The cargo ship is leaking oil, however, and the Belgian authorities have started cleaning up the oil spill.
LNG Tanker to Zeebrugge
The LNG tanker Al Oraeq, which sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands, suffered minor damage but there is no gas or oil leakage or risk of explosion. The ship is being brought to the port of Zeebrugge.
